New Years

New Years

“Lord, I pray that I honor you in all that I do and become a blessing to my family, friends, students, and enemies all around the world in this new year.”~Jon Barnes

Times

My daughter and I were cleaning out the garage with here children and we found my first recording on cassette tape, with a cassette tape player from 1995.After reading the liner notes, looking at pictures, listening with headsets, it finally occurred to me that I successfully recorded my grandmother, mother, friends, and myself to share with my grandkids.What a blessing to share!

Capsules

The flight of time can be seen and measured in the hands of your children and grandchildren because your life is a documentation and summation of all the things you do care about, love, and share.Make sure that what you do is worth keeping and sharing.You don’t want to be embarrassed when your kids, grandkids, and next generations google, read, listen, and reflect upon your life.

Reflections

I am grateful to be able to see my family grow, read, listen, learn, and become inspired by the hard work and helpful suggestions from the ideas God has given me over the years.Technologies will come and go but the Word of God and its contents will forever remain the same, to get you through The Pearly Gates.Good people will always be noted for doing the Good work God has for them to do each new year and your reward will be great in Heaven.

Today’s Question

Did you notice how the quality of your work affects others and does God respect your efforts all year long?

Enjoy The Reading

Psalm 40

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,and he turned to me and heard my cry.2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,out of the mud and the mire.He set my feet on solid groundand steadied me as I walked along.3 He has given me a new song to sing,a hymn of praise to our God.Many will see what he has done and be amazed.They will put their trust in the Lord.

4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,who have no confidence in the proudor in those who worship idols.5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.Your plans for us are too numerous to list.You have no equal.If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,I would never come to the end of them.

6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand[a]—you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.7 Then I said, “Look, I have come.As is written about me in the Scriptures:8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,for your instructions are written on my heart.”

9 I have told all your people about your justice.I have not been afraid to speak out,as you, O Lord, well know.10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.I have told everyone in the great assemblyof your unfailing love and faithfulness.

11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.12 For troubles surround me—too many to count!My sins pile up so highI can’t see my way out.They outnumber the hairs on my head.I have lost all courage.

13 Please, Lord, rescue me!Come quickly, Lord, and help me.14 May those who try to destroy mebe humiliated and put to shame.May those who take delight in my troublebe turned back in disgrace.15 Let them be horrified by their shame,for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”

16 But may all who search for yoube filled with joy and gladness in you.May those who love your salvationrepeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”17 As for me, since I am poor and needy,let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.You are my helper and my savior.O my God, do not delay.